Fast adjust external fixation connection rod

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports. and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation Ser. No. 12/865,057, filed on Jul.28, 2010, which is a national phase filing under section 371 ofPCT/US2009/033975, filed Feb. 12, 2009, which claims the priority ofU.S. provisional patent application 61/027,986, filed Feb. 12, 2008,each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of externalfixation, and more specifically, to connection rods having articulatablejoints for attachment to the rings or other external supports of thefixation device.

BACKGROUND

Without limiting the scope of the disclosure, this background section isdescribed in connection with external fixation devices and specificallyconnection rods. Generally, external fixation devices are commonly usedin a variety of surgical procedures including limb lengthening,deformity correction, fracture reduction and treatment of non-unions,mal-unions and bone defects. The process involves a rigid frameworkcomprising several rings that are placed externally around the limb andattached to bone segments using wires and half pins inserted into thebone segments and connected to the related section of the external rigidframework. The opposite rings of the rigid framework are interconnectedby either threaded or telescopic rods directly or in conjunction withuni-planar or multi-planar hinges, which allow the surgeon to connectopposite rings that are not parallel to each other after manipulationwith bone segments either rapidly (acutely) or gradually over a periodof time.

For example, in bone fracture reduction or non-union treatment, thewires and half pins are inserted into each bone segment and attached torings of a rigid framework. The rigid framework is used to acutelyreduce a displacement and restore alignment between the bone segments.During the realignment of the bone segments, the orientations ofopposite rings often are not parallel. Those opposite rings of the rigidframework are connected together by threaded or telescopic rods withattached uni-planar or multi-planar hinges. This allows the oppositebone segment to be rigidly fixed until complete fracture healing or boneconsolidation is completed.

SUMMARY

The present enclosure includes embodiments of a external fixationconnection rod that allows for rapid, coarse adjustments of the rodlength and is operable to be easily and rigidly attached to non-parallelexternal fixator rings.

Described in one embodiment is a connecting rod for an external fixationdevice comprising a telescopic housing having a housing body having anaxial bore defined therethrough; a first joint coupled to an end portionof the housing body; and a first rotating member received in the firstjoint, wherein the first rotating member is operable to rotate relativeto the first joint about a first axis. The first rotating membercomprises a first connection mechanism operable to releasably couple thefirst rotating member to a first fixator ring. The connecting rodfurther includes an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed within the axialbore, the adjustment sleeve and the telescopic housing being releasablycoupled by a fastener, and an externally threaded elongated memberthreadably coupled the adjustment sleeve. The elongated member comprisesa threaded rod; a second joint coupled to an end portion of the threadedrod; and a second rotating member received in the second joint, whereinthe second rotating member is operable rotate relative to the secondjoint about a second axis.

The second rotating member comprises a second connection mechanismoperable to releasably couple the second rotating member to a secondfixator ring. The first and second connection mechanisms are operable tosubstantially limit the rotational movement of the first and secondrotating members, respectively.

In some embodiments the first and second connection mechanisms eachcomprise a fastener aperture defined in the first and second rotatingmember, respectively, and each fastener aperture is operable to receivea ring fastener disposed through a bore defined in the first or secondring.

In some embodiments, the first and second joints each comprise a socket,and the first and second rotating members comprise a first and secondball members, respectively, the first and second ball member beingdisposed in the socket of the first and second joints, respectively. Insome exemplary embodiments, the sockets of first and second joints areseated in first and second seating members, respectively, and theseating members each have an inner recessed portion for receiving thesocket of first or second joints, and an outer ring contact portion forproviding a contact surface with the first or second ring.

In some particular embodiments, the first connection mechanism comprisesa first connecting body extending radially from the first ball member,to the outside of the socket of the first joint, and through an aperturedefined in the first seating member, and the first connecting body has athreaded portion operable to be inserted through a bore defined in thefirst ring. The second connection mechanism also comprises a secondconnecting body extending radially from the second ball member, to theoutside of the socket of the second joint, and through an aperturedefined in the second seating member, and the second connecting body hasa threaded portion operable to be inserted through a bore defined in thesecond ring. In these embodiments, the threaded portions of the firstand second connecting bodies each are operable to receive a mating nut.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments direct to a connectingrod for an external fixation device comprising a telescopic housinghaving a housing body, in which a first portion of the housing bodycomprises a first axial bore defined therethrough, and a second portionof the housing body comprises a second axial bore defined therethrough.The first and second axial bores have first and second longitudinalaxes, respectively, and the first and second longitudinal axes areparallel and coplanar. The connecting rod further includes first andsecond sleeves slidably disposed within the first and second axialbores, respectively, and the first sleeve has an adjustment mechanismrotatably disposed on an end portion of the first sleeve. The connectrod further includes an elongated member threadably coupled to theadjustment mechanism such that rotating the adjustment mechanism causesthe elongated member to translate along the first axis of the firstaxial bore. The housing body comprises first and second aperturesdefined in the walls of the first and second portions of the housingbody, respectively, and the first and second apertures are aligned alongthe first and second axes, respectively. A first fastener is disposedthrough the first aperture of the housing body and received in afastener aperture defined in the first sleeve, and a second fastener isdisposed through the second aperture of the housing body and received ina fastener aperture defined in the second sleeve, the first and secondfasteners being operable to releasably couple the first and secondsleeves to the housing body, respectively.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments for a method ofmaintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings forimmobilizing bone segments. One exemplary embodiment of the disclosedmethod includes providing a connecting rod comprising a telescopichousing having an axial bore defined therethrough; an adjustment sleeveslidably disposed within the axial bore, the adjustment sleeve and thetelescopic housing; and an externally threaded elongated memberthreadably coupled to the adjustment sleeve. A first joint is coupled toan end portion of the housing, and a first rotating member is receivedin the first joint. Furthermore, the first rotating member comprises afirst connection mechanism operable to releasably couple the firstrotating member to the first fixator ring and substantially limit therotational movement of the first rotating member. A second joint iscoupled to an end portion of the housing, and a second rotating memberis received in the second joint. Furthermore, the second rotating membercomprises a second connection mechanism operable to releasably couplethe second rotating member to the second fixator ring and substantiallylimit the rotational movement of the second rotating member. Thedisclosed embodiment further includes adjusting the longitudinalposition of adjustment sleeve relative to the telescopic housing, andreleasably coupling the adjustment sleeve to the telescopic housingusing a sleeve fastener. The disclosed embodiment further includes usingthe first connection mechanism to releasably couple the first rotatingmember to the first fixator ring and substantially limit the rotationalmovement of the first rotating member, and using the second connectionmechanism to releasably couple the second rotating member to the secondfixator ring and substantially limit the rotational movement of thesecond rotating member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe disclosure along with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the external fixation connection rod ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the external fixation connection rod of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the portion of the external fixationconnection rod of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure attached to an externalfixation device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure attached to an externalfixation device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an externalfixation connection rod of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a portion of the external fixationconnection rod of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an assembled view of the portion of the external fixationconnection rod of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cutway, side view of another portion of the externalfixation connection rod of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an externalfixation connection rod of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a cutway, side view of the external fixation connection rodof FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts thatcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the disclosure and do not limit the scope of thedisclosure.

To facilitate the understanding of this disclosure, a number of termsare defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonlyunderstood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to thepresent disclosure. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intendedto refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class ofwhich a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminologyherein is used to describe specific embodiments of the disclosure, buttheir usage does not limit the disclosure, except as outlined in theclaims.

The present disclosure includes embodiments directed to an externalfixation connection rod with a housing that allows for rapid and gradualadjustment in length and having joint attachments to parallel ornon-parallel rings or other external supports. The external fixationconnection rod includes a telescopic housing having an axial boredefined therethrough. A first joint is coupled to an end portion of thehousing body, and a first rotating member is received in the firstjoint. The first rotating member is operable to rotate relative to thefirst joint about a first axis, and comprises a first connectionmechanism. The first connection mechanism releasably couples the firstrotating member to a first fixator ring.

An adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed within the axial bore of thetelescopic housing, and a sleeve fastener is used to secure theadjustment sleeve to the telescopic housing. The adjustment sleeveallows for coarse longitudinal length adjustments with respect to thetelescopic housing. In some embodiments, the adjustment sleeve comprisesan adjustment mechanism having a rotation element. The rotation elementhas an internally threaded bore defined therethrough, which allows forthreaded connection to a threaded elongated member. The elongated memberincludes a threaded rod, and the external thread of the threaded rod andthe internal thread of the threaded bore mate with each other such thatrotating the rotation element causes the threaded elongated member totranslate along a longitudinal axis of the connecting rod. Coupled to anend portion of the threaded rod is a second joint and a second rotatingmember received in the second joint. The second rotating member includesa second connection mechanism operable to releasably couple the secondrotating member to a second fixator ring. Additionally, the first andsecond connection mechanism are operable to substantially limit therotational movement of the first and second rotating members,respectively.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure. The external fixationconnection rod 10 includes a first articulatable joint 12 that houses afirst rotating member 14. The first rotating member 14 includes afastener 16 inserted into a fastener aperture defined (not shown) in thefirst rotating member 14 to secure the first articulatable joint 12 toan external fixator ring or other fixation device (not shown).

A telescopic housing 18 extends from the first articulatable joint 12and has an axial bore (not shown) extending longitudinally from thefirst articulatable joint 12. The first articulatable joint 12 allowsangular and rotational alignment of the telescopic housing 18. Thetelescopic housing 18 includes a telescopic housing adjustment aperture20 in a wall of the telescopic housing. An adjustment sleeve 22 ispositioned in the axial bore (not shown) of the telescopic housing 18.The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidable within the axial bore (not shown)to allow adjustment of the end-to-end length of the connecting rod 10 ina rapid manner. The adjustment sleeve 22 includes a sleeve fastener 24disposed through the telescopic housing adjustment aperture 20 to securethe adjustment sleeve 22 to the telescopic housing 18.

An adjustment mechanism 26 is positioned at one end of the adjustmentsleeve 22 and threadably connected to a threaded elongated member 28.The adjustment mechanism 26 adjusts longitudinally the threadedelongated member 28 to adjust the overall end-to-end length of theconnecting rod 10 in a gradual manner. The threaded elongated member 28includes a second articulatable joint 30 that includes a secondarticulatable joint housing 32 adapted to fit a second rotating member34. The second rotating member 34 includes a second fastener 36 that isreceived in a fastener aperture (not shown) defined in the secondrotating member 34 to secure the second articulatable joint 30 to anexternal fixator ring or other external support (not shown).

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Theexternal fixation connection rod 10 includes a first articulatable joint12 that houses a first rotating member 14. The first rotating member 14passes through a joint aperture 38 that is sized and proportioned to fitthe first rotating member 14. A fastener 16 passes through a slot (notshown) in the first articulatable joint 12 and into a fastener aperture40 defined in the first rotating member 14 to secure the firstarticulatable joint 12 to an external fixator ring or other externalsupport (not shown). The first articulatable joint 12 allows angular androtational alignment of the external fixation connection rod 10 relativeto the first external fixator ring or other external support.

A telescopic housing 18 extends from the first articulatable joint 12and has an axial bore (not shown) extending longitudinally from thefirst articulatable joint 12 to the axial bore aperture 42. Thetelescopic housing 18 includes a telescopic housing adjustment aperture20. An adjustment sleeve 22 is slidably disposed within the axial bore(not shown) of the telescopic housing 18. The adjustment sleeve 22 isslidable within the axial bore (not shown) to allow adjustment of theend-to-end length of the external fixation connection rod 10 in a rapidmanner. The adjustment sleeve 22 includes a sleeve fastener 24 that isinserted through a central opening 44 defined in a sleeve fastenerwasher 46 and through the telescopic housing adjustment aperture 20 intoa sleeve fastener aperture 48 defined in the adjustment sleeve 22.

An adjustment mechanism 26 is rotatably coupled to an end portion of theadjustment sleeve 22 and threadably connected to a threaded elongatedmember 28. The adjustment mechanism is operable to rotate but nottranslate relative to the end portion of the adjustment sleeve 22. Theadjustment mechanism 26 adjusts longitudinally the threaded elongatedmember 28 to adjust the overall end-to-end length of the externalfixation connection rod 10 in a gradual manner.

The threaded elongated member 28 includes a second articulatable joint30. The second articulatable joint 30 includes a second articulatablejoint housing 32 adapted to fit a second rotating member 34. The secondrotating member 34 passes through a second joint aperture 50 that issized and proportioned to fit the second rotating member 34. A secondfastener 36 disposed through a slot (not shown) in the secondarticulatable joint 30 and into a second fastener aperture 52 defined inthe second rotating member 34 to secure the second articulatable joint30 to an external fixator ring or other fixation device (not shown). Thesecond articulatable joint 30 allows angular and rotational alignment ofthe external fixation connection rod 10 relative to the second externalfixator ring (not shown) or other external support.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2. Theexternal fixation connection rod 10 includes a first articulatable joint12 that houses a first rotating member 14. The first rotating member 14passes through a joint aperture 38 that is sized and proportioned to fitthe first rotating member 14. A fastener 16 is disposed through a slot54 in the first articulatable joint 12 and fastener aperture 40 into afirst threaded bore 56 defined in the first rotating member 14 to securethe first articulatable joint 12 to an external fixator ring or otherexternal support (not shown). The first articulatable joint 12 allowsangular and rotational alignment of the external fixation connection rod10 relative to the first external fixator ring (not shown) or otherexternal support.

A telescopic housing 18 extends from the first articulatable joint 12and has an axial bore 58 extending longitudinally from the firstarticulatable joint 12 to the axial bore aperture 42. The telescopichousing 18 includes a telescopic housing adjustment aperture 20. Anadjustment sleeve 22 is slidably disposed within the axial bore 58 ofthe telescopic housing 18. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidable withinthe axial bore 58 to allow adjustment of the end-to-end length of theexternal fixation connection rod 10 in a rapid manner. The adjustmentsleeve 22 includes a sleeve fastener 24 that is inserted through asleeve fastener washer aperture 44 centrally defined in the sleevefastener washer 46 and through the telescopic housing adjustmentaperture (not shown) into a sleeve fastener aperture 48. Alternatively,the sleeve fastener 24 may include a separate sleeve washer 46 as asingle unit.

An adjustment mechanism 26 is rotatably disposed at an end portion ofthe adjustment sleeve 22 and threadably connected to a threadedelongated member 28. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 26may include a rotation element, the rotation element having aninternally threaded bore defined therethrough. The threaded elongatedmember 28 is disposed through the threaded bore 60 of the rotationelement of the adjustment mechanism, and the external thread of theelongated member and the internal thread of the threaded bore mate witheach other such that rotating the rotation element of the adjustmentmechanism 26 causes the threaded elongated member 28 to translate alonga longitudinal axis of the connecting rod.

The adjustment mechanism 26 adjusts longitudinally the threadedelongated member 28 to adjust the overall end-to-end length of theexternal fixation connection rod 10 in a gradual manner. The threadedelongated member 28 includes a second articulatable joint 30.

The second articulatable joint 30 includes a second articulatable jointhousing 32 adapted to fit a second rotating member 34. The secondrotating member 34 passes through a second joint aperture 50 that issized and proportioned to fit the second rotating member 34. A secondfastener 36 is inserted through a slot 62 in the second articulatablejoint 30 and a second fastener aperture 52 into a second threadedfastener bore 64 to secure the second articulatable joint 30 to anexternal fixator ring or other external support (not shown). The secondarticulatable joint 30 allows angular and rotational alignment of theexternal fixation connection rod 10 relative to the second externalfixator ring (not shown) or other external support.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure. The articulatable joint 30includes an articulatable joint housing 32 adapted to fit a rotatingmember 34. The rotating member 34 passes through an articulatable jointaperture 50 that is sized and proportioned to fit the rotating member34. A fastener (not shown) is inserted through a slot 62 in thearticulatable joint 30 and a fastener aperture 52 into a threadedfastener bore (not shown) to secure the articulatable joint 30 to anexternal fixator ring or other external support (not shown). Thearticulatable joint 30 may be textured 76 to provide increased adhesionor traction to the external fixator ring or other external supports (notshown).

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure. The articulatable joint 30includes an articulatable joint housing 32 adapted to fit a rotatingmember 34. The rotating member 34 passes through a joint aperture 50that is sized and proportioned to fit the rotating member 34. A fastener36 is inserted through a slot 62 in the articulatable joint 30 and afastener aperture 52 into a threaded fastener bore (not shown) to securethe articulatable joint 30 to an external fixator ring or other externalsupport (not shown). The articulatable joint 30 may be textured 76 toprovide increased adhesion or traction to the external fixator ring orother external supports (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure. The external fixationconnection rod 10 includes a first articulatable joint 12 that houses afirst rotating member 14. The first rotating member 14 includes afastener 16 that is inserted through a slot (not shown) in the firstarticulatable joint 12 to secure the first articulatable joint 12 to anexternal fixator ring or other external support (not shown). The firstarticulatable joint 12 may be rotated about the X1 axis of the firstrotating member 14 and around the Y1 axis of the fastener 16. Thismovement allows the first articulatable joint 12 to be secured by thefastener 16 at different angles relative to an external fixator ring orother fixation support (not shown).

A telescopic housing 18 extends from the first articulatable joint 12and has an axial bore (not shown) extending longitudinally from thefirst articulatable joint 12. The telescopic housing 18 includes atelescopic housing adjustment aperture 20. An adjustment sleeve 22 isslidably disposed within the axial bore (not shown) of the telescopichousing 18. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidable within the axial bore(not shown) to allow adjustment of the end-to-end length “A” of theexternal fixation connection rod 10 in a rapid manner. The movement ofthe adjustment sleeve 22 in the axial bore (not shown) of the telescopichousing 18 allows the distance “B” to be changed and in turn change theend-to-end length “A” of the external fixation connection rod 10.

The adjustment sleeve 22 includes a sleeve fastener (not shown) disposedthrough the telescopic housing adjustment aperture 20 to secure theadjustment sleeve 22 to the telescopic housing 18. The telescopichousing adjustment aperture 20 also serves as a window to allowpositioning and referencing of the adjustment sleeve 22 and or thethreaded elongated member 28 to aid in the adjustment of the end-to-endlength “A” of the external fixation connection rod 10 in a rapid manner.

An adjustment mechanism 26 is rotatably disposed at an end portion ofthe adjustment sleeve 22 and threadably connected to a threadedelongated member 28. The adjustment mechanism 26 may be rotated indirection “Z” to engage the threads of the threaded elongated member 28and thereby adjust longitudinally the distance “C” and directly affectthe end-to-end length “A” of the external fixation connection rod 10 ina gradual manner. The threaded elongated member 28 includes a secondarticulatable joint 30 that includes a second articulatable jointhousing 32 adapted to fit a second rotating member 34. The secondrotating member 34 includes a second fastener 36 that is insertedthrough a slot (not shown) in the second articulatable joint housing 32to secure the second articulatable joint 30 to an external fixator ringor other external support (not shown).

The second articulatable joint 30 may be rotated about the X2 axis ofthe second rotating member 34 and around the Y2 axis of the secondfastener 36. This movement allows the second articulatable joint 32 tobe secured by the fastener 36 at different angles relative to anexternal fixator ring or other fixation support (not shown). It is notnecessary for the first articulatable joint 12 be at the same angle,position or face relative to the second articulatable joint 30. Inaddition, the first articulatable joint 12, the second articulatablejoint 30 or both articulatable joint 30 may be textured 76 to provideincreased adhesion or traction to the external fixator ring or otherexternal supports (not shown).

The graduation marks 74 may be calibrated into discrete increments(e.g., one millimeter increments) and may indicate the distance betweenthe first articulatable joint 12 and the second articulatable joint 30and relate to the end-to-end length “A” of the external fixationconnection rod 10.

The graduation marks 74 indicate the lengths of the external fixationconnection rod 10 as a relative value, rather than the distance fromsome predetermined specific length. The graduation marks do notnecessarily have to be based on a traditional measuring system, orindicate the effective length of the strut at all. For instance, thegraduation marks could indicate the percentage of total rod extension,or daily increments for cases where the translation takes place over anextended period of time. Reference to a neutral position can be usefulto set the base members at a predetermined “neutral” position.

FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of the external fixationconnection rod of the present disclosure attached to an externalfixation device. An external fixation connection rod 10 is connectedbetween a first external fixator ring 80 and a second external fixatorring 82. FIG. 7 depicts a single external fixation connection rod 10disposed between the first external fixator ring 80 and the secondexternal fixator ring 82 for simplicity sake. The skilled artisan willreadily understand that numerous connecting rods 10 may be attached atvarious positions about the external fixator rings, that the angle ofthe external fixation connection rod 10 relative to the first externalfixator ring 80 and the second external fixator ring 82 may be variedand the length of the external fixation connection rod 10 may be variedand adjusted.

A first articulatable joint 12 is secured to the external fixator ring80 or other external support. The external fixation connection rod 10includes a first articulatable joint 12 that houses a first rotatingmember 14. The first rotating member 14 includes a fastener 16 thatpasses through an aperture (not shown) defined in the first externalfixator ring 80 and through a slot (not shown) in the firstarticulatable joint 12 to secure the first articulatable joint 12 to theexternal fixator ring 80 or other external support. The first rotatingmember 14 may be rotated to position the fastener 16 at differentpositions and in turn at different locations in the slot (not shown) ofthe first articulatable joint 12. This movement allows the firstarticulatable joint 12 to be secured at different angles relative to anexternal fixator ring 80 or other external support.

A telescopic housing 18 extends from the first articulatable joint 12and has an axial bore (not shown) extending longitudinally from thefirst articulatable joint 12. The telescopic housing 18 includes atelescopic housing adjustment aperture 20. An adjustment sleeve 22 isslidably disposed within the axial bore (not shown) of the telescopichousing 18. The adjustment sleeve 22 is slidable within the bore (notshown) to allow adjustment of the end-to-end length “A” of theconnecting rod 10 in a rapid manner.

The adjustment sleeve 22 includes a sleeve fastener 24 positionedthrough the telescopic housing adjustment aperture 20 to secure theadjustment sleeve 22 to the telescopic housing 18. The telescopichousing adjustment aperture 20 also serves as a window to allowpositioning and referencing of the adjustment sleeve 22 and or thethreaded elongated member 28 to aid in the adjustment of the end-to-endlength of the external fixation connection rod 10. The graduation marks74 indicate the lengths of the external fixation connection rod 10 as arelative value, rather than the distance from some predeterminedspecific length. The graduation marks do not necessarily have to bebased on a traditional measuring system, or indicate the effectivelength of the strut at all. For instance, the graduation marks couldindicate the percentage of total rod extension, or daily increments forcases where the translation takes place over an extended period of time.Reference to a neutral position can be useful to set the base members ata predetermined “neutral” position.

An adjustment mechanism 26 is rotatably disposed at an end portion ofthe adjustment sleeve 22 and threadably connected to a threadedelongated member 28. The adjustment mechanism 26 may be rotated toengage the threads of the threaded elongated member 28 and therebyadjust longitudinally the end-to-end length of the connecting rod 10 ina gradual manner. The threaded elongated member 28 includes a secondarticulatable joint 30 with a second articulatable joint housing 32adapted to fit a second rotating member 34. The second rotating member34 includes a second fastener 36 that is inserted through an aperture(not shown) defined in the second external fixator ring 82 and into aslot (not shown) in the second articulatable joint housing 32 to securethe second articulatable joint 30 to an external fixator ring 82 orother external support.

The second articulatable joint 30 may be rotated to position the secondfastener 36 at different positions and in turn at different locations inthe slot of the second articulatable joint 30. This movement allows thesecond articulatable joint 30 to be secured at different angles relativeto an external fixator ring 82 or other external support. It is notnecessary for the first articulatable joint 12 be at the same angle,position or face relative to the second articulatable joint 30. Inaddition, the first articulatable joint 12, the second articulatablejoint 30 or both articulatable joints 30 may be textured 76 to provideincreased adhesion or traction to the external fixator ring 80 and 82 orother external supports.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the external fixationdevice using the external fixation connection rod of the presentdisclosure. The external fixation device 84 includes a first externalfixator ring 80 and a second external fixator ring 82 connected by oneor more external fixation connection rods 10. In this embodiment, thereare 3 external fixation connection rods 10 a, 10 b and 10 c. Each of theexternal fixation connection rods (10 a, 10 b, and 10 c) includes afirst articulatable joint that houses a first rotating member. The firstrotating member includes a fastener inserted through a slot (not shown)in the first articulatable joint to secure the first articulatable jointto an external fixator ring 80. In other embodiments, the externalfixation connection rod 10 may be any connection rods described in thisdisclosure or constructed in accordance to the principles disclosedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, an external fixation connection rod 10 includesa telescopic housing 100 having an axial bore (not shown) definedtherethrough. A first joint 102 is coupled to an end portion 104 of thehousing body 106, and a first rotating member 103 is received in thefirst joint 102. The first joint 102 includes a socket 108 that may beintegrally connected or releasably coupled to the end portion 104 of thehousing body 106. The first rotating member 103 includes a ball member110, which is operable to rotate relative to the socket 108 about afirst axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the external fixation connection rod 10further includes a seating member 120 having an inner recessed portion122 for receiving the socket 108 of first joint 102. The seating member120 further has an outer ring contact portion 124 for providing acontact surface with a first fixator ring 200. In some embodiments, theouter ring contact portion 124 may include grooves 128 defined thereinto improve traction with the ring. Although the illustrated embodimentincludes seating members 120 to improve the traction with the fixatorring 200, it is to be appreciated that some embodiments may not includea seating member 120.

The first rotating member 103 also includes a first connection mechanism112 operable to releasably couple the first rotating member 103 to thefirst fixator ring 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstconnection mechanism 112 includes a first connecting body 130 extendingradially from the ball member 110 to the outside of the socket 108 ofthe first joint 102, and through an aperture defined in the seatingmember 102. The first connecting body 130 has a threaded portion 132operable to be inserted through a bore 134 defined in the first ring200. To lock the ball member 110 and socket 108 to the first ring 200, anut 136 is disposed over the threaded portion 132, which can betightened to cause the ball member 110 to exert a pulling force on thesocket 108 and seating member 102. In some embodiments, the firstconnecting body 130 further comprises a flared portion 138, and theaperture 126 defined in the seating member 120 comprises a correspondinginterfering portion operable to cooperate with the flared portion 138 ofthe first connecting body 130 to limit the rotational movement of theball member 110 relative to the socket 108.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments discussed herein are merelyexemplary, and any of the discussed embodiment can be modified inaccordance with the principles disclosed herein. For example, the socket108 and ball member 110 may be configured to satisfy various designneeds. To allow for increased range of motion for the ball member 110,the socket 108 in some embodiments may include a plurality of recessedportions defined in the wall of the socket 108 as illustrated in FIGS.9-12. Additionally, the recessed portions in the wall of socket 108allow the ball member 110 and joint 102 to automatically, and withoutexcessive rotation, accommodate the various orientations of the rings200 as the ball member 110 and socket 108 are being locked to the firstring 200. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, therecessed portions are aligned such that they cooperate to form crossedchannels.

Also shown in the FIGS. 9-12 is an adjustment sleeve 140 slidablydisposed within the axial bore (not shown) of the telescopic housing100, and a sleeve fastener 142 is used to secure the adjustment sleeve140 to the telescopic housing 100. The adjustment sleeve 140 allows forcoarse longitudinal length adjustments with respect to the telescopichousing 100. In some embodiments, the adjustment sleeve comprises anadjustment mechanism 144 having a rotation element 146, such as a thumbwheel. The rotation element 146 has an internally threaded bore (notshown) defined therethrough, which allows for threaded connection to athreaded elongated member 148. The elongated member includes a threadedrod 150 and the external thread of the threaded rod and the internalthread of the threaded bore mate with each other such that rotating therotation element 146 causes the threaded elongated member 148 totranslate along a longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 10.

Coupled to an end portion 152 of the threaded rod 150 is a second joint102 and a second rotating member 103 received in the second joint 102.The second rotating member 103 includes a second connection mechanism112 operable to releasably couple the second rotating member 103 to asecond fixator ring 200. In the illustrated embodiment, theconfigurations of the second joint 102, second rotating member 103, andthe second connection mechanism 112 are similar to the configurations ofthe first joint 102, first rotating member 103, and the first connectionmechanism 112 as described above. A seating member 120 can be disposedbetween the rotating member 103 and the second fixator ring 200 toimprove traction as discussed above.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosurecan be modified in accordance with the principles described herein tosatisfy various design constraints. For example, illustrated in FIGS. 13and 14 is an external fixation connection rod 10 configured toaccommodate an external fixation device with a relatively shortring-to-ring length. Specifically, the external fixation connection rod10 includes a telescopic housing 300 having a housing body, in which afirst portion of the housing body 300 comprises a first axial boredefined therethrough, and a second portion of the housing body 300comprises a second axial bore defined therethrough. The first and secondaxial bores define first and second longitudinal axes, respectively, andthe first and second longitudinal axes are parallel and coplanar. Thehousing body further comprises first and second apertures 310 defined inthe walls of the first and second portions of the housing body 300,respectively. The first and second apertures 300 are aligned along thefirst and second axes, respectively. Sleeves 302 and 304 are slidablydisposed in the first and second axial bores, respectively, and eachinclude a fastener aperture (not shown) defined therein. Fasteners 308are inserted through the housing apertures 310 and received in thefastener apertures of the first and second sleeves 302 and 304 to lockthe sleeves in a desired longitudinal position. As such, thelongitudinal movement of the sleeves 302 and 304 in the axial boresallows for coarse length adjustments.

To provide a means for gradual length adjustment, the sleeve 304 furtherincludes an adjustment mechanism 314 having a rotation element 316. Therotation element 316 is rotatably disposed on an end portion of thesleeve 304, and has an internally threaded bore defined therethrough. Athreaded elongated member 318 is disposed through the threaded bore ofthe rotation element 316 of the adjustment mechanism 314. The externalthread of the elongated member and the internal thread of the threadedbore engage each other such that rotating the rotation element 316causes the threaded elongated member 318 to translate along alongitudinal axis of the connecting rod. A joint 320 is disposed on anend portion of the threaded elongated member 318 for connection with anexternal ring or support device. The joint 312 may be any suitablejoints or connectors described in the present application or known inthe art. The sleeve 302 also includes a joint 312 at an end portion forconnection with an external ring or support device. The joint 312 may beany suitable joints or connectors described in the present applicationor known in the art.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 302 can also include a second adjustmentmechanism rotatably disposed on an end portion of the second sleeve. Thesecond adjustment mechanism is threadably coupled to a second elongatedmember, and rotating the second adjustment mechanism causes the secondelongated member to translate along the second axis of the second axialbore.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments for maintaining theorientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bonesegments. One exemplary embodiment includes providing a connecting rodcomprising a telescopic housing having an axial bore definedtherethrough; an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed within the axialbore, the adjustment sleeve and the telescopic housing; and anexternally threaded elongated member threadably coupled the adjustmentsleeve. A first joint is coupled to an end portion of the housing, and afirst rotating member is received in the first joint. Furthermore, thefirst rotating member comprises a first connection mechanism operable toreleasably couple the first rotating member to the first fixator ringand substantially limit the rotational movement of the first rotatingmember. A second joint is coupled to an end portion of the housing, anda second rotating member is received in the second joint. Furthermore,the second rotating member comprises a second connection mechanismoperable to releasably couple the second rotating member to the secondfixator ring and substantially limit the rotational movement of thesecond rotating member. The disclosed embodiment further includesadjusting the longitudinal position of adjustment sleeve relative to thetelescopic housing, and releasably coupling the adjustment sleeve to thetelescopic housing using a sleeve fastener. The disclosed embodimentfurther includes using the first connection mechanism to releasablycouple the first rotating member to the first fixator ring andsubstantially limit the rotational movement of the first rotatingmember, and using the second connection mechanism to releasably couplethe second rotating member to the second fixator ring and substantiallylimit the rotational movement of the second rotating member.

The methods of the present disclosure may be performed with a subject,e.g., a human or another vertebrate animal. One or more bones (of thesubject) to be fixed may be selected. Any suitable bone(s) may beselected, such as a long bone(s) and/or at least a pair of bonesconnected via an anatomical joint. Exemplary bones include leg bones(femur, tibia, and fibula), arm bones (humerus, radius, and ulna), footbones (calcaneus, talus, metatarsals, and phalanges), wrist/hand bones(carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges), etc. In exemplary embodiments,one or more bones including at least one long bone may be selected.

An external fixation device may be constructed along and at leastpartially around the selected bone(s). The external fixation device mayinclude a plurality of rings fixed in position relative to one anotherby numerous connecting rods secured to the rings.

The external fixation device may be connected to the selected bone(s).Connection may be performed at any suitable time, such as before,during, and/or after construction of the external fixation device. Forexample, the external fixation device may be assembled and thenconnected to bone, or individual external fixation device members orexternal fixation device sub-assemblies may be connected to the bonebefore the external fixation device is fully assembled. Connection ofthe external fixation device to bone may include placing connectors,such as wires, pins, screw, and/or rods, among others, through the skinand into, through, and/or around the selected bone.

The external fixation device may be reconfigured while it is connectedto the one or more selected bones. Reconfiguration may include adjustingthe length, angle, position, and/or connection site of one or moreexternal fixation device components, particularly connecting rod. Insome embodiments, reconfiguration may involve lengthening and/orshortening one or more (or all) connecting rods of the external fixationdevice. In some embodiments, reconfiguration may involve replacing oneor more connecting rods with a different connecting rod(s). Thedifferent connecting rod may be of different size, pivotability,adjustability, shape, and/or the like.

The external fixation device may be braced to facilitatereconfiguration. Bracing the external fixation device may stiffen and/orstabilize the external fixation device such that reconfigurationproduces fewer undesired changes to the external fixation devicestructure as the external fixation device is weakened and altered duringreconfiguration. Bracing may be performed by a pair of connecting rodsof the external fixation device. In some examples, the brace may beconfigured to be clipped onto the external fixation device membersbefore the brace is fully secured to the external fixation devicemembers. For example, the brace may include one or more externalfixation device engagement elements that are biased to opposingly engageone or more respective external fixation device members. In any case,each engagement element may be secured in place on the external fixationdevice member by operating a user control, manually or with a tool.Furthermore, the relative spacing and angular disposition of theengagement elements may be fixed by operating a user control, either thesame user control(s) for securing the engagement element to a framemember or a distinct user control.

In some examples, the brace may include one or more movable joints, andthe brace may be installed in engagement with the external fixationdevice members with one or more of the joints in a movableconfiguration. The movable joints then may be adjusted to a locked(fixed) configuration. Alternatively, or in addition, the brace mayinclude a plurality of movable joints and one or more of the movablejoints may be locked before or during brace placement onto the frame,and one or more other of the movable joints may be locked after braceplacement onto the external fixation device.

The brace may be removed after frame reconfiguration. Accordingly, thebrace may be installed with the frame (and connecting rod) fixing boneand removed with the frame reconfigured and still fixing bone. The bracethus may be present on the external fixation device for only a fractionof the time that the external fixation device is fixing bone.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, orcomposition of the disclosure, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositionsof the disclosure can be used to achieve methods of the disclosure.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein areshown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the disclosure.The principal features of this disclosure can be employed in variousembodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no morethan routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specificprocedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to bewithin the scope of this disclosure and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specificationare indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art towhich this disclosure pertains. All publications and patent applicationsare herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims isused to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer toalternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, althoughthe disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternativesand “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used toindicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for thedevice, the method being employed to determine the value, or thevariation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to allpermutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term.For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to includeat least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is importantin a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB.Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations thatcontain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, MB, BBC,AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan willunderstand that typically there is no limit on the number of items orterms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein canbe made and executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of thisdisclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the disclosure asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connecting rod for an external fixation device,the connecting rod defining a longitudinal axis and comprising: atelescopic housing comprising: a housing body having an axial boredefined therethrough; a first joint coupled to an end portion of thehousing body; and a first rotating member received in the first joint,wherein the first rotating member is operable to rotate relative to thefirst joint about a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe connecting rod, and the first rotating member comprises a firstconnection mechanism operable to releasably couple the first rotatingmember to a first ring; an adjustment sleeve slidably disposed withinthe axial bore, the adjustment sleeve and the telescopic housing beingreleasably coupled by a fastener; and an elongated member coupled to theadjustment sleeve, the elongated member comprising: a rod; a secondjoint coupled to an end portion of the rod; a second rotating memberreceived in the second joint, wherein the second rotating member isoperable to rotate relative to the second joint about a second axisorthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod, and thesecond rotating member comprises a second connection mechanism operableto releasably couple the second rotating member to a second ring;wherein, the first and second connection mechanisms are operable tosubstantially limit the rotational movement of the first and secondrotating members, respectively; and wherein at least one of the firstand second rotating members comprises a slot, the respective connectionmechanism is operable to releasably couple the respective rotatingmember to the respective fixator ring using a fastener passing throughthe slot and coupled to the respective rotating member, and thecooperation of the slot and the fastener limit the rotation of therespective rotating member.
 2. The connecting rod of claim 1, whereinthe first and second connection mechanisms each comprise a fasteneraperture defined in the first and second rotating member, respectively,and further wherein each fastener aperture is operable to receive a ringfastener disposed through a bore defined in the first or second ring. 3.The connecting rod of claim 2, wherein the first joint comprises atextured surface operable to provide frictional contact with a surfaceof the first ring.
 4. The connecting rod of claim 3, wherein thetextured surface comprises parallel grooves defined therein.
 5. Theconnecting rod of claim 2, wherein the second joint comprises a texturedsurface operable to provide frictional contact with a surface of thesecond ring.
 6. The connecting rod of claim 5, wherein the texturedsurface comprises parallel grooves defined therein.
 7. The connectingrod of claim 1, wherein the telescopic housing comprises an aperturedefined in a wall of the housing, the aperture extending longitudinallyalong the housing, and the adjustment sleeve comprises a threaded radialbore, and further wherein the fastener comprises a screw insertedthrough the aperture of the telescopic housing and received in thethreaded radial bore.
 8. The connecting rod of claim 7, furthercomprising a washer having a central opening defined therein, the washerbeing disposed on an outer surface of the telescopic housing, andfurther wherein the screw is inserted through the central opening of thewasher, through the aperture of the telescopic housing, and received inthe threaded radial bore.
 9. The connecting rod of claim 1, wherein theadjustment sleeve comprises an aperture defined in a wall of theadjustment sleeve, the aperture extending longitudinally along theadjustment sleeve.
 10. The connecting rod of claim 1, wherein theelongated member is an externally threaded elongated member, theadjustment sleeve comprises an adjustment mechanism having a rotationelement, the rotation element having an internally threaded bore definedtherethrough, wherein the threaded elongated member is disposed throughthe threaded bore of the rotation element of the adjustment mechanism,the external thread of the elongated member and the internal thread ofthe threaded bore mating with each other such that rotating the rotationelement causes the threaded elongated member to translate along thelongitudinal axis of the connecting rod.
 11. The connecting rod of claim10, wherein the adjustment mechanism is rotatably coupled to an endportion of the adjustment sleeve, the adjustment mechanism beingoperable to rotate but not translate relative to the end portion of theadjustment sleeve.
 12. A method of maintaining the orientation of firstand second rings for immobilizing bone segments, comprising: providing aconnecting rod having a longitudinal axis and comprising: a telescopichousing comprising an axial bore defined therethrough; an adjustmentsleeve slidably disposed within the axial bore, the adjustment sleeveand the telescopic housing being releasably coupled by a fastener; andan elongated member coupled to the adjustment sleeve; wherein a firstjoint is coupled to an end portion of the housing, and a first rotatingmember is received in the first joint, and further wherein the firstrotating member comprises a first connection mechanism operable toreleasably couple the first rotating member to the first ring andsubstantially limit the rotational movement of the first rotatingmember; and wherein a second joint is coupled to an end portion of theelongated member, and a second rotating member is received in the secondjoint, and further wherein the second rotating member comprises a secondconnection mechanism operable to releasably couple the second rotatingmember to the second ring and substantially limit the rotationalmovement of the second rotating member; adjusting the longitudinalposition of the adjustment sleeve relative to the telescopic housing,thereby rotating the first and second rotating members about first andsecond axes, respectively, wherein the first and second axes are bothorthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod; releasablycoupling the adjustment sleeve to the telescopic housing using a sleevefastener; using the first connection mechanism to releasably couple thefirst rotating member to the first ring and substantially limit therotational movement of the first rotating member; and using the secondconnection mechanism to releasably couple the second rotating member tothe second ring and substantially limit the rotational movement of thesecond rotating member; wherein at least one of the first and secondrotating members comprises a slot, the respective connection mechanismis operable to releasably couple the respective rotating member to therespective fixator ring using a fastener passing through the slot andcoupled to the respective rotating member, and the cooperation of theslot and the fastener limit the rotation of the respective rotatingmember.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and secondconnection mechanisms each comprise a fastener aperture defined in thefirst and second rotating member, respectively, and wherein the methodfurther comprises: disposing ring fasteners through bores defined in thefirst and second ring and into the fastener apertures of the first andsecond rotating members, whereby the rotational movements of the firstand second rotating members are substantially limited.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the telescopic housing comprises an aperture definedin a wall of the housing, the aperture extending longitudinally alongthe housing, and wherein the method further comprises monitoring acutetranslation of the adjustment sleeve relative to the telescopic housing.15. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustment sleeve comprises anaperture defined in a wall of the adjustment sleeve, the apertureextending longitudinally along the adjustment sleeve, and wherein themethod further comprises monitoring gradual translation of the elongatedmember relative to the adjustment sleeve.
 16. A connecting rod for anexternal fixation device comprising: a telescopic housing having ahousing body, wherein a first portion of the housing body comprises afirst axial bore defined therethrough, and a second portion of thehousing body comprises a second axial bore defined therethrough, thefirst and second axial bores having first and second longitudinal axes,respectively, and further wherein the first and second longitudinal axesare parallel and coplanar; first and second sleeves slidably disposedwithin the first and second axial bores, respectively, the first sleevehaving an adjustment mechanism rotatably disposed on an end portion ofthe first sleeve; and an elongated member coupled to the adjustmentmechanism; wherein the housing body comprises first and second aperturesdefined in walls of the first and second portions of the housing body,respectively, the first and second apertures being aligned along thefirst and second axes, respectively; wherein a first fastener isdisposed through the first aperture of the housing body and received ina fastener aperture defined in the first sleeve, and a second fasteneris disposed through the second aperture of the housing body and receivedin a fastener aperture defined in the second sleeve, the first andsecond fasteners being operable to releasably couple the first andsecond sleeves to the housing body, respectively; and wherein a jointcoupled either to an end portion of the elongated member or an endportion of the second sleeve comprises a slot, a connection mechanismand a rotating member, the connection mechanism is operable toreleasably couple the rotating member to a fixator ring using a fastenerpassing through the slot and coupled to the rotating member, and thecooperation of the slot and the fastener limit the rotation of therotating member.
 17. The connecting rod of claim 16, wherein the jointis coupled to an end portion of the elongated member.
 18. The connectingrod of claim 16, wherein the joint is coupled to an end portion of thesecond sleeve.
 19. The connecting rod of claim 16, wherein the secondsleeve has a second adjustment mechanism rotatably disposed on an endportion of the second sleeve, the second adjustment mechanism beingcoupled to a second elongated member.
 20. The connecting rod of claim19, further comprising a second joint coupled to an end portion of thesecond elongated member.